Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, our friendly team from Himalayan Gateway Trek will be there to greet you with a warm welcome and take you to your hotel.

Once you arrive, you’ll receive a warm welcome, with staff presenting you with traditional flower garlands. They will assist you with the check-in process and make sure you’re comfortable. Afterward, you can relax and get ready for your adventure the next day. In the evening, walk around Thamel and have dinner whenever you like.

At the Himalayan Gateway Trek, we are excited to begin this journey with you and ensure a memorable experience throughout your stay in Nepal.

Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and then to Soti Khola (730m), the starting point of the trek. The drive takes about 6-8 hours and offers scenic views of the Nepalese countryside and the Trisuli River. Expect a bumpy ride, but the picturesque landscape makes the journey worthwhile. Overnight at Soti Khola.

On this day, the trail follows the narrow and rugged paths along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through charming Gurung and Magar villages. As you gain elevation, the landscape transitions from subtropical forests to more alpine terrain.

Along the way, you’ll pass Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs, and continue through scenic settlements like Dobhan and Yaru Phat before reaching Jagat, a traditional checkpoint village built on stone steps. This segment offers a rich blend of culture, river gorges, and terraced hillsides, making it one of the most engaging parts of the trek.

Leaving Jagat, the trail ascends through stone-paved staircases, lush forests, and small settlements like Salleri and Philim, a large Gurung village with stunning views and traditional houses. After passing Ekle Bhatti, the route diverges from the main Manaslu Circuit, taking you into the remote and culturally rich Tsum Valley region.

Lokpa is the first village of Tsum Valley and offers a peaceful atmosphere, marking the gateway into this hidden Himalayan gem. This day is notable for entering a less-traveled trail filled with natural beauty and cultural depth.

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the remote Tsum Valley, offering a true sense of isolation and untouched beauty. The path descends initially and then climbs steeply through dense pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional views of Ganesh Himal on clear days. You’ll cross several suspension bridges over roaring rivers and pass cascading waterfalls along the way.

As you approach Chumling, you’ll notice the change in architecture and lifestyle, reflecting the Tibetan-influenced culture of the region. Chumling is a picturesque village with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and stone houses, providing a rich cultural introduction to Tsum Valley’s unique heritage.

This day’s journey takes you higher into the heart of Tsum Valley, with a noticeable change in both altitude and landscape. The trail begins by crossing a suspension bridge and gradually ascends through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Himal. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional Tibetan-style villages, colorful mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the region.

Reaching Chhokangparo, one of the largest villages in Tsum Valley, you’ll be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the Tibetan Buddhist community. The wide valley views, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural charm make this a truly enriching part of the trek.

Today’s trek is a spiritual and scenic highlight of the Tsum Valley Trek. The trail gently ascends through arid terrain, with vast landscapes, stone-built villages, and occasional yak pastures. A key stop on this route is the sacred Milarepa’s Piren Phu Cave, nestled in a cliffside. This ancient meditation cave is associated with the Tibetan saint Milarepa, and is adorned with Buddhist murals, statues, and prayer flags, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.

After visiting the cave, the trail continues through Lamagaon and Burji before reaching Nile, the last village before the Tibetan border. Located close to the Shiar Khola river, Nile offers magnificent mountain views, a peaceful setting, and insight into the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle that defines the upper Tsum Valley.

Today, you’ll descend from the high-altitude village of Chhokangparo back toward the lush forests of Chumling. The trail winds through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, offering peaceful surroundings and glimpses of local wildlife. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Tibetan-style villages and ancient mani walls, experiencing the unique culture and natural beauty of the Tsum Valley once more.

This day’s journey offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Manaslu region. The trail climbs gradually through alpine forests, past beautiful villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho, each adorned with Buddhist chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls. As you approach Sama Gaon, the views of Manaslu (8,163m) become truly spectacular. Sama Gaon is a large and culturally rich village, surrounded by glaciers and rugged peaks, and serves as an ideal place for rest and acclimatization before heading higher.

This is an important acclimatization day to prepare for higher elevations ahead. You can explore the beautiful Sama Gaon village, interact with the friendly locals, and visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, which offers panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding glaciers. Optional hikes to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp provide stunning scenery and help your body adjust to the altitude. A restful night in this peaceful Himalayan village ensures you’re ready for the next leg of the trek

Today’s trek takes you above the treeline into a rugged alpine landscape, as you make your way toward the base of the Larkya La Pass. The trail ascends gradually through glacial valleys, offering dramatic views of Manaslu, Naike Peak, and surrounding mountains. You will pass mani walls and grazing pastures used by yak herders before reaching Larkya La Phedi, also known as Dharamsala, a small settlement that serves as the last stop before the pass. This is a crucial night for rest and acclimatization in preparation for the challenging day ahead

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Starting early, you’ll climb steadily toward the Larkya La Pass (5,160m)—the highest point of the trek. The ascent offers stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Annapurna II. Reaching the pass, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramas and colorful prayer flags, marking a major milestone of the journey.

The descent to Bhimtang is steep but scenic, with views of glaciers, moraines, and lush alpine landscapes. After a long day, arriving in the peaceful valley of Bhimtang feels incredibly rewarding.

On this day, you will trek down from Tilicho through scenic trails lined with forests and terraced fields, passing traditional villages along the way. The journey concludes at Dharapani, a lively market town where you’ll complete the trek. From Dharapani, you’ll take a vehicle ride back to Beshisahar, the gateway to the Manaslu region. This day marks the transition from trekking back to comfort, offering time to relax and reflect on your incredible journey through the Himalayas.

After the trek, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Beshisahar to Kathmandu aboard a comfortable local deluxe bus. The journey takes you through picturesque hills, rivers, and traditional villages, offering a final glimpse of rural Nepal’s charm. Arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy a well-deserved rest, and reflect on your unforgettable 20-day adventure in the Manaslu Tsum Valley region.

On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or explore the city.

As you leave Nepal, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of your incredible trek through the Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trekking.